MRS. LYDIA WATKINS, farmer; P. O., Pickereltown ; is the relict of Robert J. Watkins, who was one of the prominent and successful farmers of this township. Mrs. Watkins' maiden name was Cowgill; she was born Feb. 1, 1818, in Wayne Tp., Champaign Co., the youngest of a family of eleven children who were born to Thomas and Sarah (Antrim) Cowgill. Thomas Cowgill was born July 7, 1777, in the Old Dominion, and they were married in 1799, and came west to Columbiana Co., in 1800 and to Champaign Co., the year Mrs. Watkins was born. They raised a family of eleven children, all of whom lived to the age of 40 before there was a death in the family; he died in 1845, and his wife survived him until 1859. Both of them were members of the " Friends.'' On April 19, 1837, Mrs, Watkins was married to Robert J., her husband, who was born Feb. 22, 1814, in Southampton Co., Va.; son of John W. and Elizabeth (Johnson) Watkins. Soon after their marriage Mr, and Mrs. Watkins located in Monroe Tp., first making :a purchase of 100 acres, then all covered with a heavy growth of timber. Here they made their home, and commenced building a log house. They labored hard, and were successful in a few years in securing a large tract of land. At the time of his death, which occurred June 18, 1872, he had over 1,000 acres of land in Ohio, 466 being in this township and 640 in Lucas Co., this State, besides some in Minnesota. Of the thirteen children born them, five are living. Mr, Watkins was a member of the Friends' Church; he had a peaceful death. Having been one of the best citizens of the township. he was loved and respected by all who knew him.
History of Logan County and Ohio, Baskin, 1880